Where's my bumper sticker?

I am totally a soccer mom now… I just need my bumper sticker to prove it! I might not deserve a sticker for my car, though, since I’m not getting a guilt trip over my lack of involvement in the whole soccer “association.” I think if I hear someone (read this as: one who has already done so and likes to mention it quite often) say “steppin’ up” one more time I might completely lose it and laugh in the face of the said sayer… instead of behind said-sayer’s back! Maybe if said-sayer volunteers to transport my five kids to and from practices and games, and he or she (yes, there are two said-sayers) also volunteers to occupy, entertain, and care for my five kids during such practices and games, I might have a little more free time to give back to the “association.” So, maybe rather than a “Soccer Mom” sticker, something like “My kids and my registration fees go to soccer!” would better suit my bumper!

Enough of that little blurb, but still on the subject of soccer… my girls rocked! They had a great time and did awesome in their games! I was so proud of them. Too bad Daddy missed out on it. Overall, it was like a six-hour ordeal adventure. Since N was working yesterday (*sniffle* and today and every day this week *sniffle*), I was all on my own. We left the house just before 10am. I figured we’d be way too early for the 11 o’clock game. But it gave us time to get there and get unloaded (that in itself was an ordeal… I’m pushing the big double stroller holding #s3 & 4, carrying the five-hundred pound duffle bag (with lots of water, lunch, clothes, team snacks, etc), and wearing #5 in the kangaroo pack. All the while, #s1 & 2 are being put to work carrying the picnic blanket and drinks for the team… and it was a long walk. I parked way out so I wouldn’t have to deal with lots of cars while trying to get ourselves together and organized.) … Of course, as soon as we got there, the kids needed to go potty, so I sent #s1, 2, and 3 in while I stood outside holding #5 and guarding the stroller which was still holding #2. By the time we located the field for #2’s game (should I mention that the map of the fields isn’t even close to being accurate?), it was time to start. L had a great game, and I got a lot of pictures, albeit somewhat fuzzy pictures!

Between games, we had a picnic lunch and the kids played on the playground toys they have at the fields. Then it was another trip to the potty and another game. M did super—so well that they kept her in the entire first half! That and also because there were only a few girls there for the game (one made it for like the last eight minutes… her mom followed the map and was in the wrong place).

When the second game ended, we trekked back to the car, reloaded and headed out. By the time we got home (after a quick stop to the convenience store to buy myself a sanity soda, as there were no mints in the car) it was already about four o’clock! And, of course, we were all exhausted. The evidence is in the pictures… Starting the drive home, #s3 & 4 were out almost immediately. #s1 & 2 were just resting… I was surprised they didn’t fall asleep. The only rested one, #5 was awake and playing… he got lots of sleepy time during the day on Moma’s belly! I, too, was wiped out from the long day, the sun, and the wind… but, even though I wanted to, I didn’t sleep. The picture shows me in my imagined wish-I-was-here state!

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